Mended (24 page)

Kassie felt terrible as she walked back to her car. She didn’t want to see Tim and she refused to let him know he hurt her. Her mind would be preoccupied with the garden. She had a few jobs lined up. Her garden would be something she did every morning, something to keep her mind off Tim while trying to dethrone him as reigning flower king. It was vindictive, she knew, but she was so angry with him and herself honestly.

*****

Tim pulled up in front of his house and Nat jumped out running up to the front door. Her hands full of shopping bags, she was ready to try on the clothes she bought. Tim got out looking at Kassie’s place, her car wasn’t there, but there was a huge guy standing on her porch. The man had to be at least six foot three and two hundred pounds of solid cut muscle. Had she replaced him so quickly? She’d just moved on, just like that? Tim looked away angrily and walked to his door.

“Who’s that guy?” Nat whispered, waiting for her father.

“I don’t know.”

“But I thought Kassie was your girlfriend.” She said softly and it hurt to hear that. He wanted so badly for it to be true.

“Um no.” Tim whispered. “We’re just friends.”

“Oh.” Nat’s voice was full of disappointment. Tim couldn’t blame her. He was very disappointed too.

Nat stared at the man then looked up at her father. He didn’t seem too happy as he unlocked the door and let her into the house. She knew that Tim really, really liked Kassie. She liked Kassie too. Kassie was so pretty and nice; Nat would love it if Tim married her someday.

Kassie pulled into her drive before he could go inside but Nat was already upstairs. She jumped out screaming the guy’s name but Tim couldn’t make it out. Kassie jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly.

“Hey sis.” Benny smiled holding her just as tightly. She saw Tim staring at her from his doorway; he lowered his head and closed the door.

“Oh Benny.” She buried her face in his neck and started to cry a little.

“Kassie.” He let her down slowly, Kassie held him crying into his chest, he held her rubbing her back softly. “What happened?”

“I’ll be fine.” She smiled tremulously. “I haven’t seen my brother in two years! Of course I’m crying!”

“Oh, cuz I thought it had something to do with the guy next door who was looking at me like he wanted to feed me my liver.”

Kassie only wished Tim felt so strongly for her. She was starting to feel the familiar feeling of playing herself. A part of her knowing that she was the reason she felt that way.

“Only a little.”She answered meekly.

“Wanna talk about it?” He asked.

“No.” Kassie swallowed and closed her eyes. “No.” She sighed. Kassie gave him a smile and shrugged, looking so pretty with tear filled eyes and a soft smile. “No wonder something told me to go to the market today.”

“You know I can eat.” He said. She smiled and gave him her car keys.

“Can you get those bags? I’ll fix up your room and bring your bag up.”

“No problem.” Benny smiled. Kassie unlocked her door going inside with Benny’s duffle. It was really heavy but she lugged it upstairs. She gave him the beach room.

*****

Throughout the day, she tried not to think about Tim. It just hurt too much. To think of all they started to build and how one stupid comment took it all away; how
her
stupid comment took it all away. She should have just kept her big mouth shut and went with her heart. Why had she been such a chicken? Everything felt so right with Tim and she loved him. She really did love him. 

“Thanks for letting me stay with you sis.” Benny broke her thoughts.

“No problem.” Kassie said smiling as Benny sat beside her at the kitchen table.

“The painter’s are finishing up today. I’ll be gone by tomorrow night.” He said. Kassie felt a little sad. She did love her little brother and didn’t mind him staying with her. Though they weren’t close growing up, they tried to maintain a good relationship and her brother had grown into a responsible hard working man.

“How is James?” Kassie asked.

“Don’t Kass.” Benny thought it was disrespectful to call their parents by their first names.

“He’s never been a father to me Benny. Why would I call him dad? I don’t call Annette mom.” Kassie said.

He sighed lowering his head. “I know they gave you a piece of shit deal.” Benny said softly, reaching out and squeezing her hand.

“Yeah.” Kassie said softly. “But I landed on my feet.”

“You sure as hell did.” He said softly and looked a bit saddened. “Without all of the money.”

“I was determined to not need anything from anyone.” Kassie said with iron in her voice. “Anyway, how is that pretty girlfriend of yours?” She changed the subject.

“Dating a father of two.” He said dryly. “We called it quits a year ago.”

Kassie pouted at him and shook her head.

“I’m sorry.”

“No need. I’m not sweating it anymore.” He said.

“She was putting on the pressure huh?” She asked as he sipped his soda, Benny nodded softly.

“The M word.” He said rubbing his jaw. “I wasn’t ready for that, I still ain’t.” She hated when people used the word ain’t; it was a pet peeve she’d had for a while. Something, Kassie figured, that went back to her grandmother, Jane, popping her every time she said it.

“You will be some day. You’ll meet a girl who just makes everything in you happy. You’ll think about it, not sure how you feel about that dirty M word then it’ll be all you think about.” Kassie laughed when Benny shook his head. “She’ll be all you think about, you’ll love her so much you can’t breathe. Benny, marriage and love can be glorious and it’s not just sex. It’s having your best friend there all the time. It’s sharing your world with this amazing person who makes you laugh and smile. It’s a kiss that ends all kisses and a smile that makes you shiver. Don’t be too blind or too stubborn to the word Benny. It doesn’t end your life; it just adds another fantastic piece to it.”

“I will be blind to it.” He said. “Come on you know me. I screw myself on the regular. I let her go because I was scared. She met some guy who isn’t a chicken shit like me. I’m afraid of that stuff. It feels like I’m ending my life when I think of marriage.” He shook his head.

“You’re not Ben; you’re adding something amazing to it. If a woman is good enough to share your bed then why isn’t she good enough to wear your ring and have your name. You’re almost twenty six; a quarter of your life is gone. You’re gonna be a bachelor for the rest of your life?” She asked. “Because I can guarantee you, you aren’t going to be counting panties when you’re in your seventies. You’re going to be looking for someone to share the rest of your life with you.” Kassie said.

He nodded. “Good advice.”

“I know. I’m smart.” Kassie teased. He chuckled softly.

“Well take this advice.” He said looking up at his sister. “Don’t let your past shade your future.” Kassie looked up at him quickly. “Life’s too short Kass, its way too short to hold on to anger from twenty-three years ago.” He said.

She nodded. “You’re right.” She said softly. “But sometimes things are harder to get over.” She rubbed his arm. “And since life is so short what do you say to me taking you out.”

“Ok.”

“But first big sis can school you in a quick pick-up game.”

“You elbowed me last time.” He said with an accusatory smile. “And you always cheat!”

“Aww come on. If I foul you in any way I have to give you fifty bucks.”

“I’ll go get dressed.” He grinned and rushed out.

Kassie’s smile faltered the moment her brother left the room. She stood and put her glass in the sink before going upstairs to put on sweats. She wondered for just a moment if she should go over and try to talk to Tim again. Quickly she remembered what Nora had said earlier that morning about giving him space. Kassie sighed and went upstairs unhappily. She felt like she needed to talk to Tim. They needed to fix what was broken; she wanted to fix what was broken. She missed him and Griff so much.

*****

Tim watched her car pull out as he ushered Griffin into the back seat of his jeep. They were going to take Nat home, though she was complaining about it. She loved spending time with her dad as much as Tim loved spending time with her.

“Daddy you look angry.” Natalie said to Tim as he watched Kassie’s car disappear down the street. He looked at his daughter and smiled at her cute concerned face.

“No baby.” He said softly. “Daddy’s fine. Sit back honey and buckle up for me.” He watched her sit back and closed the door walking around to the other side of the car. He got into the car in a haze of anger and jealousy.

*~*~*~*

Saturday morning came so quickly and Benny left after spending an extra day with her. Kassie found herself at the library with her book. The librarians had put up flyers all around town, publicizing her appearance and now the library was packed with so many little bodies that Kassie was amazed. She didn’t know there were this many kids in the town!

Tim took Natalie who wanted to hear Kassie read her story. Walking into the crowded library, he was shocked. He didn’t know so many people were fans of Kassie’s book or her art work and he felt so much pride for her in his heart. She was the woman he loved and it just killed him that she didn’t love him too.

Tim helped Nat find a place where she could listen to Kassie read and watched as Kassie signed autographs and greeted people with a smile. She was so beautiful he couldn’t take his eyes off her, it felt like every second of staring at her made him fall more in love with her. She was wearing a pretty green dress and her hair was pulled back from her face, hanging around her shoulders. 

Kassie looked up at him and their eyes locked. Her heart began to pound against her rib cage. She wanted to stand up, walk over to him, and kiss him over and over again. Kassie missed his kisses, missed his arms around her and the sound of his voice, she just missed him so much.

Kassie gave him a slight smile and turned back to the little boy she was talking too. Tim lowered his head. He had to get her back and make her see how he loved her. But then his mind filled with the image of that guy standing on her porch and he got angry again.

Mrs. Marshall asked everyone to be quiet and gave Kassie a bit of an introduction before the room erupted in tiny cheering voices. It made Kassie smile and she thanked everyone for coming and told everyone about her book. She began to read to them smiling as the kids said the words along with her.

*****

By the end of an hour and a half, Kassie had read, taken pictures, and signed autographs for all of the kids and some of the adults as well. Most of the parents left but Tim and Nat waited around. Nat wanted to say hello and Tim couldn’t pretend that he didn’t want to see her either.

Kassie was shocked to see him when she walked out of the library.

“Hello Natalie.” She smiled. Natalie hugged Kassie’s waist tightly. “You look very pretty today.”

Nat was wearing a purple shirt with the words Daddy’s Brat printed across the chest. The A’s had horns, the Y had an arrow tipped tail, and the T was a pitchfork. With the shirt, she wore denim jeans rolled up to mid-calf and black sneakers.

“Thanks, daddy picked it.” She smiled.

“Daddy has good taste.” Kassie said smiling.

“Yes, I do.” Tim said softly. “Hello Kassie.”

“Hi Tim.” She said softly. She gave him a hug but that hug was just so painful and they both felt it. Kassie pulled away lowering her head. “Um how are you?”

“I’ve been better.” He said softly.

She looked up at him and gave him a brief smile but there was no happiness in it.

“Me too.” She said softly.

“I really enjoyed your story.” Nat said.

“Thank you.” Kassie said, turning her attention to the little girl. “When I write my next story I will give you the first edition again.”

“Great!” Nat smiled.

Tim reached over and stroked Kassie’s cheek before he realized what he was doing; she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch.

“We should uh get going.” Tim said quietly. “Come on Nat, pizza’s waiting to be eaten.”

“Bye Kassie.” Natalie gave her another quick hug.

“Bye sweetie.”

“Bye Kass.” Tim said in a soft reluctant voice.

Kassie nodded softly.

“Bye.” She watched them go before turning and walking toward her car. She was miserable. That brief moment of happiness left the moment they did. Kassie wanted him to take her hand and tell her that everything was okay between them.

*~*~*~*

They didn’t speak for weeks and in that time, Kassie’s garden grew more and more romantic with its soft pinks, blues and purples. Watching her tend to it every day was driving him insane. He could be that Larkspur brushing against her soft café au lait skin, seeming to fall in love with her, or those snapdragons that seemed to crave her attention. All of this watching her from a distance was driving him to want to drink; he loved her so much. It was as if she had become his obsession. All of the weeks apart had done nothing to dim his longing for her, instead seemed to make his longing even more intense.

Tim had learned from Mrs. Marshall that Kassie had entered the competition. He knew why she had joined the contest. She needed to remind him that he’d walked out on her by forcing him to deal with her. Also, it was to knock him off his throne. But because he was hurt and angry with her, he wasn’t going to let her do that. Her competitiveness only turned him on more, to the point where he was sexually irritated all of the time.

Tim stalked around his house in frustration. He’d tried to practice, tried to do laundry, had taken Griff and gone for a run, nothing helped. He was growing angrier and hungrier by the second. Tim had had enough. He wanted to know who that guy was! He wanted to know how she could just move on so easily. He wanted to know if she was suffering as much as he was. He had given up his lovers, why couldn’t she do the same. They should be together; they were perfect for each other. In Tim’s heart they had to be together, he had to have her! He was done playing this game.

*****

A dark shadow loomed over Kassie and she looked up only to see Tim glowering down at her. She gave him a radiant smile, truly happy to see him.

“Good afternoon Timothy.” She said with a chipper voice.

Hearing her say his name like that made him soften and harden at the same time as memories assaulted him, but he quickly remembered his anger.

“Who the hell was that giant dude who was staying here with you?” He asked angrily as he gripped the fence in a death hold, his anger seeming so hot that it burned his veins.

Kassie’s smile faded. She lowered her head and slowly took off the floral print gardening gloves she was wearing. Kassie stood up, her happiness at seeing him floated away on the breeze. It was taking so much energy to keep up this fight and she so wanted to make up with him. To show him how much she truly had missed him but she was afraid that he wouldn’t give her a chance.

“Why?” She asked softly. “Why do you want to know who stays with me?” She looked beautiful. Her hair was long now and hanging down her back in a ponytail, back from her pretty face. She wore black leggings and a purple tank top. He could see a hint of her black bra strap under her shirt and it made him even more aggravated with her. Tim wondered if she knew how sexy and seductive she was without even trying to be.

“Am I hearing you right now?” He asked in a quiet, dangerous voice.

Kassie crossed her arms and glared defiantly at him; she saw it in his eyes that he was jealous but there was something else there she wasn’t sure about, something a little dangerous.

“Who was he?” Tim asked again.

“Why is that important?” She asked.

Tim pushed open her fence storming into her yard. Kassie took a step back as he stopped in front of her.

“One more time.”

“I’m allowed to have company in the home that
I
paid for, Tim.” She was incredulous and starting to get a little nervous at the wild look in his eyes. The man was seriously pissed off.

“Not when it’s a dude who looks like he can break you in half.” He said angrily. “And can do it better than I can.”

She shook her head. “Is that all you think about, who I may or may not be having sex with?” She asked.

“When it’s not me, hell fucking yeah!” He said heatedly.

She scoffed and rolled her eyes angrily. “Fuck you Tim!” She turned to walk away. Tim slapped her bottom . . . hard. Kassie whirled around in shock.

“Don’t slap my ass!” She shoved him. “It’s not yours anymore!”

Tim grabbed her arm and hoisted her over his shoulder.

Kassie gasped. “Tim, stop!”

He slapped her bottom again just as hard. Fear filled her suddenly. He was too angry and she wasn’t sure what would happen to her.

“Say that again.” He ground out through clenched teeth. Her mind raced with all of the things that could happen here today. Every slap went straight to her clit making her throb and tighten, instantly growing wet.

“I said fuck you!” She tried to get down when he did it again, harder.

Kassie groaned gripping the back of his shirt. That one made her throb even more. Kassie lost her breath a little and closed her eyes. She suddenly wasn’t very afraid realizing that Tim wouldn’t hurt her, but she was incredibly turned on. It made her wonder, how angry he really was with her. Was he angry or was he just as turned on as she was right now? Tim wasn’t the angry type. He said what he said and if you didn’t like it too damn bad.

“Say that shit again!” He growled. He felt like there was a beast inside of him, fighting to get out and all he wanted was to rip her apart.

“Stop it Tim, let go of me.” She whimpered softly.

He grunted instead, carrying her inside and slamming her door.

*****

Kassie backed up after he let her down; Tim followed, trapping her against the kitchen wall. Pride aside, seeing the murder in his eyes, she figured now would be a good time to fess up.

“It was my little brother, Benny. He came to stay with me until they finished painting his apartment.” She said gently. Kassie lowered her head; he hooked her chin raising her eyes.

“Why do you have to frustrate me?” He ground out.

“What else am I gonna do with my day?” Kassie asked, trying to lighten his mood. Tim kissed her and she gave in, immediately rising to the kiss. She had been dreaming about this for so long . . . but then she stopped him, remembering something.

“Tim, I have to wash my hands I killed a bug that was in my glove. I think I have bug juice on my hands.” She said softly.

“No.” He said and took off her shirt running his fingers over the black tuxedo bra. Kassie started away, Tim grabbed her arm tightly pushing her back against the wall, and she pulled away.

“Stop it Timothy.” She snapped pushing him away. His eyes flashed with delight, this was going to be a fight and he was up for it.

But she didn’t want him to stop. Tim grabbed her throat tightly, staring into her eyes as he kissed her slowly. He slid his tongue over hers; Kassie whimpered and pulled her lips away from his.

“You fucking suck Tim.” She whispered. His grip tightened a bit and she whimpered grabbing his shirt. Tim kissed her again this time rougher than before and letting her throat go. He grabbed one of her breast firmly. Kassie gasped shivering hard.

“Oh fuck!” She cried.

“You’ve got a real mouth on you Kassidy. See how it works on your knees.” Tim gripped her shoulders, pushing her down and Kassie went willingly.  She was so hungry for him that she was completely out of herself.

Kassie stroked his throbbing length through his pants and her touch seemed to burn through the fabric. She unbuckled his belt, and pulled down the zipper coming eye to eye with the heather gray fabric of his boxer briefs. She kissed the pouch missing him it so much more than she ever thought she would miss a man’s penis.

Kassie reached into Tim’s pants and grabbed him tightly, squeezing hard. Tim moaned long and loud.

“Kassie.” He rasped above her. She pulled his pants down, his boxers followed. Kassie licked him the entire length of his staff; Tim moaned, throwing his head back. “God Kassie!”

She wrapped her mouth around him taking him deep, her soft moans matching his. Kassie dug her nails into his thighs tasting him deeper. Tim’s mind was filled with images of what he was going to do to her as he reached back and grabbed the counter for support. He looked down at her, whimpering in ecstasy as she devoured him. She pulled back from him, licking the tip of his cock in slow hungry strokes, curling her tongue around the fleshy head. Tim almost erupted right then.

He was fast losing it and knew he wanted to come inside of her. Tim pulled her to her feet kissing her in hungry abandon as he pushed her pants and underwear down; Kassie kicked off her sneakers eagerly and stepped out of her clothes. Tim turned her and shoved her against the wall.

“Pussy out.” He growled. Kassie arched her back, presenting herself to him. Tim slid his fingers into her, grinning when she whimpered. “That’s what I’ve been missing.” He rubbed the sweet nectar from his fingers onto his cock and then rubbed his broad head against her clit, smiling as she moaned and twitched against him.

“Timmy, please.” She looked at him over her shoulder with passion glazed eyes. He filled her slowly, Kassie cried out arching into him even more. She needed a moment to regain herself, he felt so amazing that she couldn’t formulate a thought. “Please, more.” She shivered. Tim didn’t need to be told twice.

Tim slammed into her hard and she met his thrusts with her own hungry ones, moving her hips in a circular motion that hit all the most sensitive spots on his penis. She felt so good that he chanted her name like a sweet love song.

He wrapped his arms around her tightly, enclosing her against him and setting an intense rhythm with his hips. Kassie moaned trying to get away from the unbearable pleasure, he had her locked so tightly in place that she couldn’t even squirm against him. Her knees went weak but he held her up, growling as he pounded her into sweet oblivion.

Kassie threw her head back against his shoulder and screamed out in pleasure. Tim kissed her neck, sliding his tongue over her fevered skin.

“Timmy.” She jolted against him as an orgasm shook her. Tim followed her over the edge not a minute after, crying out and holding her tightly to him as his body shook and jerked against hers.

She sighed gripping his thighs. Her nails were like talons in his skin. Tim was in heaven after so many weeks of living in the dark and uncertainty. Now she was back in his arms and he couldn’t even imagine having to let her go again.

“I miss you.” He whispered. “I miss you so, so much baby.” He kissed her neck again, his breath stirring the curls there.

“I’ve missed you too.” Kassie leaned against him, slowly lifting from her haze. “Can we stop fighting now?” She asked quietly.

“God, yes.” He kissed her, turning her to face him.

“I’m so sorry. I got scared Tim.” Kassie lowered her head to his chest, ashamed to look at him.

He tugged her ponytail and forced her eyes up. “Why?”

“I told you why. Loving you hurts.” She said softly. Tim shook his head at her, how could she ever think that he would hurt her in any way. He loved her so much it was insane.

“I’m not going to break your heart.” He stroked her cheek. “Hurting you would kill me.” Tim shook his head.

“I love you too.” Kassie said closing her eyes as tears flowed down her cheeks. He smiled wrapping her in his arms; Kassie buried her face in his neck, inhaling his spicy cologne. Comfort overshadowed the sweet fading pangs of her climax.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you Timothy.” She continued, cupped his face in her hands. “My Timothy.” She whispered.

“You did hurt me . . . a lot.” He said. “But I forgive you baby. Do you forgive me for walking out on us?” Tim kissed her. Kassie nodded, looking at him with eyes full of love. Tim took her hand and pulled her into the living room.

Tim lowered her onto the couch kissing her softly before sliding between her thighs; she was heavy with their scent. Tim slid his tongue over her slowly, moaning at their taste mixed with her sweetness. Kassie arched to his wicked tongue, running her fingers through his hair.

“Suck my clit baby, please.” She whispered watching him. Tim did as told, pulling the warm mound into his mouth and flicking his tongue over the tiny pink bulb. Kassie gasped arching her back. She let out a shattered cry and pulled back a bit clutching her chest. He pulled her back to his mouth, applying a deep suction to the cleft. She whimpered breaking into a powerful tremble that shook him too. His tongue was so warm against her and soft, each stroke felt awesome.

“You’re so delicious.” He whispered and slid his tongue over her before wrapping his entire mouth around her cleft. Kassie moved against his slick tongue gasping loudly with every thrust.

“Yes, Timmy.” She whimpered. Kassie bit her lip gently as he came over her and settled between her thighs. She spread her legs wider and he sank into her. Kass clung to him shivering. Tim moved slowly staring into her eyes; they fit together in perfect harmony, as if their bodies were meant for each other.

“My sweet Kassie.” He kissed her hard and wild and her kiss matched his. He whispered her name over and over, pressing his body against hers and thrusting harder. Tim closed his eyes tightly and moaned, increasing his pace and plunging to her depths constantly. She kissed his neck moving with him, crying out feverishly against his warm skin. Kassie’s head swirled at the passion of him. It felt almost too overwhelming but she knew now that he really did love her and all of her fears floated away.

They climbed faster into pleasure, calling out as they moved closer and closer to release. Tim rose onto his elbows, thrusting harder and deeper, he pulled down her bra taking the magnificent globes out and watching them for a moment as they bounced before his eyes. He lowered his head, suckling and tugging her nipples hungrily. Kassie gasped in pure pleasure.